A storytelling festival, documentary films, a mural, a walking tour, music programs, original plays and a radio show are just a few of the exciting activities and projects that will receive funds from Arkansas Heritage Month grants.

Every year the month of May is set aside by the Department of Arkansas Heritage to explore Arkansas history and tradition. This year’s theme is “Dreams and Determination: Arkansans at Work.” Events conducted in association with Arkansas Heritage Month will highlight industries and individuals whose dedication has made an impact in Arkansas, all the way from the frontier pioneers of Arkansas Territory to present-day explorers of new frontiers in a high-tech world. A total of $50,000 will be awarded to 17 organizations hosting Arkansas Heritage Month projects.

The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center will receive $2,500 in grant money to create a storytelling festival featuring professional and local amateur storytellers. A professional storyteller will perform in Pope County schools and lead a storytelling workshop for the public during Arkansas Heritage Month.

Pope County students will develop stories and perform them in class. All winners will perform their stories before the school and one overall winner will be selected from each school. All storytellers chosen will go on to compete with other winners at a public storytelling event. The winner of the county-wide event will have their story published in the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center newsletter and sent to area media.

For more information about Arkansas Heritage Month, visit arkansasheritage.com, connect on facebook.com/arkansasheritage or contact Melissa Whitfield at (501) 324-9611 or melissaw@arkansasheritage.org.